Things to do in London this weekend
The last gasp of summer is upon us, so make it count. Here are some of the hottest things to do this bank holiday on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in London
It’s the big one. Wahh gwaan? Bank holiday weekend is here people! And that can only mean three whole days of pure, unadulterated blissful fun. Starting with Europe’s biggest street festival: Notting Hill Carnival, baby! See our Carnival 2019 guide here for all the lowdown, from soundsystems to travel info, this year’s going to be a belter. Not your scene? There’s plenty happening other than the west London bonanza. The Smithfield Street Party: A Beastly Adventure is throwing a bash dedicated to animals on Sunday, where you can watch giant dancing puppets, bands and dog shows. Monday opens itself to more canine action at the Dog Days of Summer where Flat Iron Square is throwing a pooch-themed party. Fill your extra day off to the brim! Happy weekending folks!
RECOMMENDED: Find more things to do this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What’s on this weekend?
Event of the Week: Notting Hill Carnival
Vuvuzelas at the ready – Europe’s biggest street festival is rolling into town for two days of blasting soundsystems, non-stop dancing and some of the best Carribean food around. Whether you want a chilled Carnival or are looking to party into the early hours, be sure to check out our complete guide to all things Notting Hill Carnival.
Vintage Market at the Mansion
Head to Beckenham Place Park’s Georgian mansion where there’ll be 25 top vintage traders setting up shop in the pretty pastel-hued rooms selling travel posters, prints and clothes. Hungry after all that shopping? Tuck into the sizzling selection of street food stands.
Morden Park House ’90s Outdoor Cinema
Get your huge hit of nostalgia thanks to this outdoor screening of films nearing their third decade. From children’s cult classic ‘Jumanji’ through to intertwining narratives of Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’, there’s a flick for all.
Film of the Week: ‘Pain and Glory’
A woozy, humane journey in a jaded filmmaker’s soul. Pedro Almodóvar fills this tapestry of recollections with bold colours and infuses them with emotion. It will pierce your heart.
Dog Days Of Summer
Those dog days will never be over, not when it happens to be National Dog Day on Monday. Celebrate canine friends at Flat Iron Square’s pooch-themed party. Bring your pup along to enter them into The Dog Factor (there are prizes for the Baddest Bitch).
Batuke Festival
Celebrate Afro-Portuguese culture at this four-day arts festival. Take part in dance workshops in Kizomba, Semba, Ginga, Afro and Afrobeats, watch theatre performances and screenings, and browse the Afro Marketplace.
The Barking Stink: A Scented Heritage Exhibition
Small ya later Barking! Get to know east London’s industrial past through the power of small. Sewage, fish and the scent of a fizzy pop factory will all be on display for you to take a whiff at.
The Monster
What’s that coming over the hill? Is it The Monster? Is it The Monster? By monster, we mean a giant inflatable obstacle course for adults. Now’s your chance to zoom down an 18-metre mega slide.
‘Tales of the Turntable’
This joyful hip hop show for kids is guaranteed to make you come out humming too. Watch along and learn about the decade-hopping dance masterclass covering all styles from vogueing arms to classy breaking and krumping.
Frieze Sculpture 2019
One of London’s prettiest parks has been transformed into a massive outdoor gallery once again courtesy of the free Frieze Sculpture. Go in search of Huma Bhabha’s totem-inspired ‘Receiver’ and a posthumous showing of Robert Indiana’s ‘One Through Zero’.
Martello Hall
Head for late-night drinks at this gin distillery and bar on Mare Street. It’s open well into the early hours. The best thing? There’s a regularly changing array of 12 wines on tap, gin distilled on site and a swell cocktail list.
Matthew Bourne’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’
Romeo, where art thou Romeo? Well, the traditional Shakespeare play you know and love so well, has been given the Matthew Bourne treatment. Prokofiev’s iconic ballet is a reinvented classic.
Artusi
London might have reached peak Italian carby goodness, but if you haven’t tried the pasta at Artusi you need to get there right away. You’ll regularly find things like puntarelle and anchovy salad on the menu, along with very very good pasta and plenty of meat in the mains.
‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Exhibition’
Enter the world of Thra at this special exhibition. See setpieces from the series (like the Skeksis banquet) and meet the puppets modelled on Jim Hensons’s original creations. Let the nerd child of ’80s within you be free.
Ninth Life
Catford’s circus-themed nightspot channels a festival theme. As such, grab some street food and stay up late among acrobats and actors.
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